Crohn's disease is a painful, inflammatory disorder of the bowels. The cause is unknown but, explains Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," it is suspected that some individuals are genetically predisposed, and in those individuals, certain harmful bacteria or viruses may provoke an abnormal immune response leading to the onset of Crohn's disease. There is no cure for Crohn's, but nutritional deficiencies are very common among Crohn's sufferers. If you have the disease, vitamin and mineral supplements may help to support your immune system and correct these deficiencies.
High-Potency Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement
Many vitamins and minerals work synergistically, and for the proper absorption of one, the presence of another is often required. As such, Balch recommends taking a multivitamin and mineral complex. She recommends choosing one that contains copper, selenium, manganese and potassium, and says that these minerals are important for treating Crohn's. Because Crohn's disease compromises your ability to properly break down and absorb nutrients in your intestines, Balch recommends choosing a liquid or powder formula, as they are easier to digest.
Iron
According to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, iron is an important mineral for Crohn's sufferers. CSNN explains that inflammation of the bowels, as is found in Crohn's, may result in chronic blood loss, and when large amounts of blood are lost, iron deficiency normally ensues. As such, CSNN recommends getting a blood test to measure your iron levels. If you are found to be deficient, take 30 mg of iron with meals twice daily, for three to six months, and choose a liquid iron supplement for maximum absorbability.
Zinc
Another important mineral is zinc. Balch says that zinc is needed to support your immune system and to help heal damaged bowel tissue. Balch recommends taking 50 mg of zinc daily, and she suggests choosing a zinc gluconate lozenge for the best absorption.
B Vitamins
A B-complex supplement -- which contains all the important B vitamins -- may help to boost your immune system. Balch recommends taking 100 mg of B-complex three times a day, and says that the B vitamins are also important because they are required to regenerate damaged cells in your colon. For maximum absorbability, Balch recommends taking a lozenge supplement or a sublingual one, which means that it is dissolved under the tongue instead of swallowed.
Vitamins C and K
Balch also recommends taking 1000 mg of powdered vitamin C three times a day because vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. In addition, vitamin K may be helpful, taken as directed on the label. Balch explains that vitamin K is vital to colon health and many Crohn's sufferers are deficient in this vitamin due to malabsorption and diarrhea. Don't forget to talk to your health-care practitioner before taking any supplement, especially iron and zinc, because they may produce toxic side effects in high doses.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stadler Mitrea; 2008
